Canaltime Canal Boat

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  • Trent/Mersey Canal
    Nottingham, England
    (0115) 931-2672
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tjwit
tjwit
First Reviewer
3 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
3
Reviews
8
Photos
Editor Pick

Canaltime Canal Boat

  • March 10, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by getawayguy from Los Gatos, California
Canaltime Canal Boat

My wife and I were the only two people aboard the boat for our week of vacation. We became the crew. Our narrowboat, the Maid Marion, was 45 feet long and 6 feet wide. The inside was built like a modern-day camper. In the front of the boat we had a fixed double berth with a small dressing table, a small corner wardrobe, and a small amount of storage space under the foot of the bed. Moving to the rear, the next area had a private bath with a sink, a toilet, and a very small tub with a shower. Alongside the bath was a narrow passageway connecting the front bedroom with the kitchen/galley in the middle of the boat. The kitchen was well equipped with a refrigerator, a stove with four burners and an oven, a microwave, and a sink. All the necessary dishes, pots, pans, and cutlery were there. To the rear of the kitchen was the dining area, which could comfortably seat four adults for a meal. With the table removed and attached to the wall, the dining area can become a double berth.

I believe the quarters are a little small for four adults but large enough for two adults and two smaller children. It was ideal for two adults. The boat comes with a television, radio, and CD player. Reception varies by location, so you may want to bring along a book or some cards, games, etc.

Before starting out, a staff person at the marina demonstrates how to handle the boat and how everything works. They even have a video you are required to view before navigating on the canal. The boat has a diesel motor and comes with a full fuel tank that holds more than enough fuel for a week's cruising. We stopped once during the week to add more fresh water. The boats are kept in excellent condition, and everything worked perfectly for us.

From journal Narrowboat Travels in Springtime England

Canaltime at Sawley Marina

  • October 23, 2003
  • Rated 1 of 5 by Metten from Carlsbad, California
Best Things Nearby:
Beautiful countryside is all around you. There is nothing nearby, despite what their website says. Cruising the canal boat down the Trent and Mersey canals is probably a good holiday for those who have already been to England and seen it all.

Best Things About the Resort:
You get to see the beautiful countryside and experience the local culture. You are away from everyone!

Resort Experience:
The boat is nice but best suited for one adult couple. The instructions provided are very limited so if you are a novice or inexperienced boater it is very difficult. Three active adults would make opening all the locks easier but makes the boat more crowded for sleeping and relaxing.

While the scenery is nice there is not a lot to do on this vacation. The main tourist visits are a beer museum and a sink factory whick take over nine hours of cruising to get to and 52 locks to open and close. A lot of work for very little payoff! Stay at a hotel instead! Or if you must boat choose the Nottingham Castle Marina, which is within walking distance of city center.

  • Unit Type: Other
  • Activities: Fair
  • Amenities: Poor
  • Unit Satisfaction: Poor
  • Family Friendliness: Fair
  • Service: Poor

From journal Travels through England

Canaltime canal boat

  • September 3, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by tjwit from Royston, Georgia
Canaltime canal boat

The canal boat was fitted out like a travel trailer. Wood paneling throughout and vinyl flooring. One full bath and one half-bath. Full kitchen with microwave, stove, oven, and fridge. Two single beds, one queen, and one double made from the living room benches. The bow (front) of the boat had a bench on which two people could sit and enjoy the view.

Space was, of course, limited since the boat is only 6 1/2 feet wide, but you soon learn to make do with what you have.

On the down side, the boat was not in the cleanest condition when we went on board. I think the ladies had it cleaner when we returned.

From journal Cruising the Trent & Mersey Canal

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